James Harden Update Emerges After Cavaliers Trade News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 5:49 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers shook up the NBA landscape on Tuesday with a blockbuster trade-deadline move, acquiring 11-time All-Star James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a future second-round pick. The deal, which pairs the 36-year-old veteran with Donovan Mitchell in a potent backcourt, comes amid Cleveland's push to contend in the East after starting the season 30-21.

Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP and a three-time scoring champion, has been one of the league's most consistent offensive forces. In 44 games this season with the Clippers, he averaged 25.4 points (his highest since the 2019-20 season), 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. This season, he is shooting 41.9% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range.

The trade allows him a fresh opportunity to chase that elusive first championship ring, as he expressed excitement about joining a competitive Cavaliers squad with strong coaching and talent around him.

Former Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1).© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Cavaliers' next game is Wednesday night on the road against the Clippers at Intuit Dome. However, it was confirmed that Harden will not suit up for that matchup against his former club, likely due to the rapid timeline of the deal, acclimation needs and logistical factors following his recent absence for personal reasons.

An update has emerged on his Cavaliers debut timeline. Harden is expected to play his first game with the Cavaliers on the road against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, per NBA TV’s Chris Haynes.

Nine-time NBA All-Star James Harden — if acclimation goes as planned — is expected to make his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, sources say.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 4, 2026

This update provides clarity and optimism for Cavs fans eager to see the veteran playmaker integrate into head coach Kenny Atkinson's system alongside Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, potentially elevating Cleveland's title aspirations in a loaded Eastern Conference.

The Cavaliers (30-21) hold the fifth-best record in the East, with 31 games still to play. Cleveland will visit Sacramento at 10 p.m. ET Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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